From One SA Pro to Another: Giving Thanks Can Lead to Success

Have you ever had a student who struggles to celebrate wins?

This week, no topic seems more timely than that of expressing gratitude. Simply defined, gratitude is “the quality of being thankful,” and there is research that those who express gratitude might find more success in life.

People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are constantly aware of what’s wonderful in their life. Because they enjoy the fruits of their success, they seek out more success. And when things don’t go as planned, people who are grateful can put failure into perspective.

Encouraging students to recognize their triumphs and appreciate the road that brought them to where they are today is one way of celebrating the wins – and pairs past success to current challenges.

As student support professionals, it’s important that we express our own gratitude – for our colleagues, our institutions and the students who impact our lives every day. If you’re looking to grow your own gratitude or hoping to encourage a student to stop and give thanks, here’s a tip, courtesy of this Forbes article, “How Feeling Grateful Can Make You Successful:”

Make two little cards, both of which say, “I’m glad…” or “I’m thankful…” Put one on your desk, so you see it when you’re at work, and the other somewhere at home where you’re most likely to see it often. Whenever you notice one of the cards, complete the sentence starter in a way that’s true for you at that moment. “I’m glad…the presentation went well this morning,” or “I’m thankful…for my husband’s support.”

We’re thankful… for students, higher education institutions and the support professionals who are on the front lines of student support every day.